VALENTINE’S TRICK-OR-TREAT - Content

VALENTINE’S TRICK-OR-TREAT

For Hicksflicks.com, Friday, Feb. 13, 2015

The big film for Valentine’s Day — and which is being heavily promoted as such — is “Fifty Shades of Grey.” (For my feelings about Hollywood’s view of romance as sex, see the “Blog” above.) In addition, there is another romantic offering, yet another comic-book adaptation and some art-house selections.

“Old Fashioned” (PG-13). Low-budget, independent, faith-based romantic comedy about the owner of a small-town antiques shop and a woman who moves there from the city. Both are trying to change their lives after hurtful relationships, and as the title suggests, their romance is decidedly old-fashioned. The film is being marketed as Valentine’s Day counterprogramming to “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Hope it’s good. Exclusively at the Megaplex Jordan Commons theaters.

“Still Alice” (PG-13). Julianne Moore is nominated for a best-actress Oscar for this melodrama about a respected linguistics professor suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s Disease as her family rallies around her. Alec Baldwin plays her husband and Kristen Stewart is her daughter.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” (R). This comedy action film based on a comic book stars Colin Firth as a high-level agent for a secret British spy organization that recruits a street kid (Taron Egerton) as a candidate. Co-stars include Michael Caine, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong and Mark Hamill.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” (R). Based on the notorious best-seller about an innocent young student (Dakota Johnson) whose interview with a successful businessman leads to a kinky affair.

“Song of the Sea” (PG). Animated fantasy from Ireland tells the story of two young children living with their widowed father in a lighthouse by the sea, where they meet up with selkies, based on the ancient Celtic myth of half-seal/half-human creatures. Exclusively at the Broadway Centre Cinemas.

“Mommy” (R, Canadian film, in French with English subtitles). A widow tries to care for her troubled teenage son but he is prone to violent outbursts and she is at the end of her rope, until a new neighbor insinuates herself into their lives. Exclusively at the Broadway Centre Cinemas.

“Oscar Documentary Shorts 2015, Program A” (not rated). This year’s five Oscar-nominated short documentary films are being packaged in two separate collections because some are longer than usual, making each program approximately 80 minutes. This program includes “Joanna” (from Poland) and “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” (United States). Exclusively at the Tower Theater.